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Mental Health

How to Talk to a Loved One About Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Conversations about mental health can feel challenging, even with the people we care about most. Concerns about saying the wrong thing, overstepping, or triggering discomfort often hold people back from initiating these discussions. Yet, speaking openly about mental health can be an important step toward early intervention, reducing stigma, and providing meaningful support. With empathy, preparation, and respect, these conversations can help loved ones feel heard and understood. Recognizing When to Start the Conversation Not every moment is ideal for a discussion about mental health, but certain signs may indicate it’s time to reach out. Behavioral or emotional changes such as persistent sadness, withdrawal from social activities, irritability, loss of interest in hobbies, or noticeable changes in sleep or appetite can signal that a loved one might be struggling. According to the National Alliance …

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Recognizing the Early Signs of a Mental Health Crisis

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry A mental health crisis can develop suddenly, but more often it builds over time as symptoms intensify and coping resources become overwhelmed. Recognizing early warning signs can make a critical difference in getting help before the situation escalates. Awareness of these signs—both in yourself and in others—can allow for timely intervention, potentially preventing hospitalization, severe distress, or harm. Understanding What Constitutes a Mental Health Crisis A mental health crisis occurs when a person’s emotional or psychological state prevents them from functioning safely and effectively in daily life. This may involve thoughts of self-harm, severe mood swings, inability to care for oneself, or losing touch with reality. While crises can occur in the context of many mental health conditions, they are often linked to untreated or worsening depression, bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use disorders, or …

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The Impact of Pets on Mental Health

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Pets have long been a source of comfort and companionship, but in recent years, there has been increasing scientific recognition of the significant positive impact they have on mental health. From reducing stress and anxiety to improving emotional well-being, the relationship between humans and animals is powerful and deeply beneficial. Let’s explore how pets, particularly emotional support animals (ESAs), can enhance our mental health and the many advantages of pet ownership. The Link Between Pets and Mental Health Research has shown that pets offer emotional support that helps reduce feelings of loneliness, alleviate stress, and even combat more serious mental health issues like depression and anxiety. A 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that pet owners often experience lower blood pressure, reduced levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), and increased levels of …

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The Connection Between Mental Health and Addiction: Understanding Dual Diagnosis

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Addiction and mental health disorders are often intertwined, with each influencing the other in profound ways. When both conditions occur simultaneously, they are referred to as co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. Understanding the connection between mental health and addiction, and why integrated treatment is essential, is critical for those struggling with both conditions. What is Dual Diagnosis? Dual diagnosis refers to the presence of both a mental health disorder (such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia) and a substance use disorder (such as alcohol or drug addiction) in the same individual. These conditions often develop concurrently, with one disorder influencing or exacerbating the other. Research has shown that approximately 50% of individuals with a severe mental health disorder also have a substance use disorder (SAMHSA, 2019). How Mental Health and Addiction Are Connected …

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Music and Mental Health: A Creative Way of Healing

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Medically Reviewed by Mark Hrymoc, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, double-board certified in General & Addiction Psychiatry Music has been an integral part of human culture for thousands of years, transcending boundaries of time and geography. Music evokes emotion, fosters connection, and provides comfort. Beyond this, music is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in mental health therapy. Recent research highlights the profound benefits of music therapy in addressing mental health issues, offering patients a creative outlet for emotional expression and a pathway to healing. Let’s explore the role of music therapy in mental health treatment, its therapeutic benefits, and how it’s being used in innovative ways to support emotional well-being: What is Music Therapy? Music therapy is a clinical and evidence-based therapeutic approach that uses music to address emotional, cognitive, and social needs. Trained music therapists work with individuals or groups to facilitate healing, using a variety of musical techniques …

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